Justification:
In its natural range, the species has been impacted by dams, pollution, and overfishing. Dams have greatly impacted the species reproductive success. The Amur populations are thought not to have yet been impacted (M. Kottelat pers. comm. 2011), however populations in China have declined greatly as a result of the widespread development of dams. Population declines in the natural population have been significant in the Chinese parts of its range.

It is assessed as Near Threatened due the the scale of wild population decline in China, as it is suspected to be close to meeting a threatened category under population decline (category A2). Monitoring of population trends and reproductive success in the wild is needed.

This a widespread species throughout China from Heilongjiang, Yangtze and Pearl River basins. Also recorded in eastern Russia (Amur River) and from Mongolia. Introduced around the world for aquaculture and control of algal blooms. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Feeds on phytoplankton and zooplankton. In its natural range, it migrates upstream to breed; egg and larva float downstream to floodplain zones. An active species well known for its habit of leaping clear of the water when disturbed. Swims just beneath the water surface. Larvae and small juveniles feed on zooplankton; from 15 mm Standard length (SL) only feeds on phytoplankton. Very sensitive to low temperature (below 5°C) and oxygen deficit.

Dams have greatly impacted the species reproductive success. The Amur populations are thought not to have yet been impacted (M. Kottelat pers. comm. 2011), however populations in China have declined greatly as a result of the widespread development of dams.

Utilized fresh for human consumption and also introduced to many countries where its ability to clean reservoirs and other waters of clogging algae is appreciated even more than its food value. It is among three or four species of cyprinids whose world production in aquaculture exceeds one million tons per year

In its natural range, the species has been impacted by dams, pollution, and overfishing. Dams and pollution destroy the habitat ecology, reproductive success. Dams have greatly impacted the species reproductive success. The Amur populations are thought not to have yet been impacted (M. Kottelat pers. comm. 2011), however populations in China have declined greatly as a result of the widespread development of dams. Population declines in the natural population have been significant in the Chinese parts of its range.